specific immune cell An immune cell such as a T or B lymphocyte that responds to a single, specific antigen.

specificity When referring to a medical test, specificity refers to the percentage of people who test negative for a specific disease among a group of people who do not have the disease. No test is 100% specific because some people who do not have the disease will test positive for it (false positive).

SPECT Single-photon emission computed tomography. A special type of computed tomography (CT) scan in which a small amount of a radioactive drug is injected into a vein and a scanner is used to make detailed images of areas inside the body where the radioactive material is taken up by the cells. SPECT can give information about blood flow to tissues and chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body.

speculum (SPEK-yoo-lum) An instrument used to widen an opening of the body to make it easier to look inside.

speech pathologist (pa-THOL-o-jist) A specialist who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing problems. Also called a speech therapist.

speech therapist A specialist who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing problems. Also called a speech pathologist.

sperm The male reproductive cell, formed in the testicle. A sperm unites with an egg to form an embryo.

sperm banking Freezing sperm for use in the future. This procedure can allow men to father children after loss of fertility.

sperm count (spurm kownt) A count of the number of sperm in a sample of semen. A sperm count may be used as a measure of fertility.

sperm retrieval (… rih-TREE-vul) Removal of sperm from a man’s testis or epididymis by a doctor using a fine needle or other instrument.

SPF Sun protection factor. A scale for rating the level of sunburn protection in sunscreen products. The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection it gives. Sunscreens with an SPF value of 2 through 11 give minimal protection against sunburns. Sunscreens with an SPF of 12 through 29 give moderate protection. Those with an SPF of 30 or higher give high protection against sunburn.

sphincter A ring-shaped muscle that relaxes or tightens to open or close a passage or opening in the body. Examples are the anal sphincter (around the opening of the anus) and the pyloric sphincter (at the lower opening of the stomach).

spiculated mass (SPIK-you-lay-ted…) A lump of tissue with spikes or points on the surface.

spinal column (SPY-nul KAH-lum) The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The spinal column encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called spine, backbone, and vertebral column.

spinal cord A column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the back. It is surrounded by three protective membranes, and is enclosed within the vertebrae (back bones). The spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system, and spinal cord nerves carry most messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

spinal tap A procedure in which a needle is put into the lower part of the spinal column to collect cerebrospinal fluid or to give drugs. Also called a lumbar puncture.

spindle cell cancer Cancer that arises in cells that appear spindle-shaped when viewed under a microscope. These cancers can occur in various places in the body, including the skin, lungs, kidney, breast, gastrointestinal tract, bone, and muscle.

spindle cell sarcoma A type of connective tissue cancer in which the cells are spindle-shaped when examined under a microscope.

spine The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The spine encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called backbone, spinal column, and vertebral column.

spine cancer Cancer that begins in the spinal column (backbone) or spinal cord. The spinal column is made up of linked bones, called vertebrae. The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the back. It is surrounded by three protective membranes, and is enclosed within the vertebrae. Many different types of cancer may form in the bones, tissues, fluid, or nerves of the spine.

spiral CT scan A detailed picture of areas inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine that scans the body in a spiral path. Also called helical computed tomography.

spirituality (SPIR-ih-choo-A-lih-tee) Having to do with deep, often religious, feelings and beliefs, including a person’s sense of peace, purpose, connection to others, and beliefs about the meaning of life.

spleen An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.

splenectomy (splen-EK-toe-mee) An operation to remove the spleen.

splenomegaly Enlarged spleen.

spotted thistle Cnicus benedictus. A plant whose leaves, stems, and flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. Spotted thistle may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Also called blessed thistle, St. Benedict’s thistle, cardin, and holy thistle.

sputum (SPYOO-tum) Mucus and other matter brought up from the lungs by coughing.

sputum cytology Examination under a microscope of lung cells found in sputum (mucus and other matter brought up from the lungs by coughing) to check for cancer.

squalamine lactate A drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. It prevents the growth of new blood vessels into a solid tumor.

squamous cell (SKWAY-mus) Flat cell that looks like a fish scale under a microscope. These cells cover inside and outside surfaces of the body. They are found in the tissues that form the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body (such as the bladder, kidney, and uterus), and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts.

squamous cell carcinoma (SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.

squamous intraepithelial lesion (SKWAY-mus IN-truh-eh-pih-THEEL-ee-ul LEE-zhun) SIL. A general term for the abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. The changes in the cells are described as low grade or high grade, depending on how much of the cervix is affected and how abnormal the cells appear.

SR-29142 A drug that may protect healthy tissue from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs.

SR-45023A An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called bisphosphonates. It affects cancer cell receptors governing cell growth and cell death.

SR49059 A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It inhibits a hormone growth factor that causes some cancer cells to divide. It belongs to the family of drugs called vasopressin receptor antagonists.

SRS Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. A type of radionuclide scan used to find carcinoid and other types of tumors. In SRS, radioactive octreotide, a drug similar to somatostatin, is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive octreotide attaches to tumor cells that have receptors for somatostatin. A radiation-measuring device detects the radioactive octreotide, and makes pictures showing where the tumor cells are in the body. This procedure is also called an octreotide scan.

SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. A type of drug that is used to treat depression. SSRIs slow the process by which serotonin (a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another) is reused by nerve cells that make it. This increases the amount of serotonin available for stimulating other nerves.

St. Benedict’s thistle Cnicus benedictus. A plant whose leaves, stems, and flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. St. Benedict’s thistle may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Also called blessed thistle, cardin, holy thistle, and spotted thistle.

St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum, an herbal product sold as an over-the-counter treatment for depression. It is being studied for its ability to lessen certain side effects of cancer treatment.

ST1481 A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. Also called gimatecan.

stable disease Cancer that is neither decreasing nor increasing in extent or severity.

stage The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

stage 0 anal cancer Cancer is found in the innermost lining of the anus only. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 bladder cancer Cancer is found on tissue lining the inside of the bladder only. Stage 0 is divided into stage 0a and stage 0is, depending on the type of the tumor. Stage 0a is also called papillary carcinoma, which may look like tiny mushrooms growing from the lining of the bladder. Stage 0is is also called carcinoma in situ, which is a flat tumor on the tissue lining the inside of the bladder.

stage 0 cervical cancer Cancer is found in the first layer of cells lining the cervix only and has not invaded the deeper tissues of the cervix. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 chronic lymphocytic leukemia There are too many lymphocytes in the blood, but there are no other symptoms of leukemia. Stage 0 is indolent (slow-growing).

stage 0 colorectal cancer Cancer is found in the innermost lining of the colon and/or rectum only. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 esophageal cancer Cancer is found in the innermost layer of cells lining the esophagus. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EK-struh-hih-PA-tik bile dukt) Cancer is found only in the innermost layer of cells lining the extrahepatic bile duct. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 gallbladder cancer In stage 0, cancer is found in the innermost (mucosal) layer of the gallbladder only. Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 gastric cancer Cancer is found in the inside lining of the mucosal (innermost) layer of the stomach wall. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 hypopharyngeal cancer Cancer is found only in the lining of the hypopharynx. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 laryngeal cancer (…luh-RIN-jul…) Cancer is found only in the cells lining the larynx. Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 melanoma Cancer is found in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) only. Also called melanoma in situ.

stage 0 nasopharyngeal cancer Cancer is found in the lining of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) only. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer Cancer is limited to the lung. It is found in a few layers of cells only, and has not grown through the top lining of the lung. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 skin cancer Cancer is found in the epidermis (topmost layer of the skin) only, in the layer of cells in which the cancer began. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 testicular cancer Abnormal cells are found only in the tiny tubules where the sperm cells begin to develop. The cells do not invade normal tissues; all tumor marker levels are normal. Sometimes called a precancerous condition. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 0 transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter (tran-ZIH-shu-nul sel KAN-ser of the REE-nul PEL-vus and yoo-REE-ter) Cancer is found only on tissue lining the inside of the renal pelvis or ureter. Stage 0 is divided into stages 0a and 0is, depending on the type of tumor. In stage 0a, the cancer may look like tiny mushrooms growing from the lining; also called noninvasive papillary carcinoma. In stage 0is, the tumor is flat on the lining; also called carcinoma in situ.

stage 1 neuroblastoma (NUR-oh-blas-TOH-muh) Tumor is only found in one area; all of the tumor that can be seen is completely removed during surgery.

stage 2 neuroblastoma (NUR-oh-blas-TOH-muh) Stage 2 is divided into stages 2A and 2B. In stage 2A, the tumor is in one area only and not all of the tumor that can be seen can be completely removed during surgery. In stage 2B, the tumor is in one area only and all of the tumor that can be seen may be completely removed during surgery, but cancer cells are found in nearby lymph nodes.

stage 3 neuroblastoma (NUR-oh-blas-TOH-muh) In stage 3 neuroblastoma, the tumor (1) cannot be completely removed during surgery and has spread from one side of the body to the other side and may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes; or (2) is in one area of one side of the body only, but has spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the body; or (3) is in the middle of the body and has spread to tissues or lymph nodes on both sides of the body, and the tumor cannot be removed by surgery.

stage 4 neuroblastoma (NUR-oh-blas-TOH-muh) Stage 4 neuroblastoma is divided into stages 4 and 4S. In stage 4, the tumor has spread to distant lymph nodes, the skin, and/or other parts of the body. In stage 4S, (1) the child is younger than 1 year; and (2) the cancer has spread to the skin, liver, and/or bone marrow; and (3) the tumor is in one area only and all of the tumor that can be seen may be completely removed during surgery; and/or (4) cancer cells may be found in the lymph nodes near the tumor.

stage I adrenocortical cancer Cancer that is smaller than 5 centimeters (smaller than 2 inches) and has not spread into tissues around the adrenal gland.

stage I adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma Stage I is divided into stage I and stage IE. In stage I, cancer is found in a single group of lymph nodes. In stage IE, cancer is found in one area or organ other than the lymph nodes.

stage I adult non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Stage I is divided into stage I and stage IE. In stage I, cancer is found in a single lymph node area. In stage IE, cancer is found in an organ or tissue other than the lymph nodes.

stage I adult primary liver cancer There is one tumor and it has not spread to nearby blood vessels.

stage I AIDS-related lymphoma Stage I AIDS-related lymphoma is divided into stages I and IE. In stage I, cancer is found in one group of lymph nodes. In stage IE, cancer is found in one area of one organ or tissue that is not part of the lymph system.

stage I anal cancer The tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters.

stage I bladder cancer Cancer has spread to the connective tissue layer below the inner lining of the bladder.

stage I breast cancer The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has not spread outside the breast.

stage I cancer of the uterus Cancer found in only the main part of the uterus, not the cervix.

stage I cancer of the vulva Cancer found in the vulva only or the space between the opening of the rectum and the vagina (perineum). The tumor is 2 centimeters (about 1 inch) or smaller.

stage I cervical cancer Cancer is found in the cervix only. Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB, based on the amount of cancer that is found. In stage IA, a very small amount of cancer that can only be seen with a microscope is found in the tissues of the cervix. The cancer is not deeper than 5 millimeters and not wider than 7 millimeters. In stage IB, the cancer is still within the cervix and either (1) can only be seen with a microscope and is deeper than 5 millimeters or wider than 7 millimeters; or (2) can be seen without a microscope and may be larger than 4 centimeters.

stage I childhood liver cancer All of the cancer was removed by surgery.

stage I childhood non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Cancer is found in a single area or lymph node outside of the abdomen or chest.

stage I chronic lymphocytic leukemia There are too many lymphocytes in the blood and the lymph nodes are larger than normal.

stage I colorectal cancer Cancer has spread beyond the innermost lining of the colon and/or rectum to the second and third layers and involves the inside wall of the colon and/or rectum, but it has not spread to the outer wall or outside the colon and/or rectum. Also called Dukes’ A colorectal cancer.

stage I cutaneous T-cell lymphoma May be either of the following: (1) stage IA cancer affecting less than 10% of the skin’s surface and appearing as red, dry, scaly patches; (2) stage IB cancer affecting 10% or more of the skin’s surface and appearing as red, dry, scaly patches.

stage I endometrial cancer Cancer is found in the uterus only. Stage I is divided into stage IA, IB, and IC, based on how far the disease has spread. In stage IA, cancer is in the endometrium only; in stage IB, cancer has spread into the inner half of the myometrium (muscle layer of the uterus); in stage IC, cancer has spread into the outer half of the myometrium.

stage I esophageal cancer Cancer has spread beyond the innermost layer of cells to the next layer of tissue in the wall of the esophagus.

stage I extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EK-struh-hih-PA-tik bile dukt) Stage I is divided into stage IA and IB. In stage IA, cancer is found only in the bile duct. In stage IB, cancer has spread through the wall of the bile duct.

stage I gastric cancer Stage I is divided into stage IA and stage IB, depending on where the cancer has spread. In stage IA, cancer has spread completely through the mucosal (innermost) layer of the stomach wall. In stage IB, cancer has spread completely through the mucosal (innermost) layer of the stomach wall and is found in up to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor, or has spread to the muscularis (middle) layer of the stomach wall.

stage I hypopharyngeal cancer The tumor is found only in one area of the hypopharynx and is 2 centimeters or smaller.

stage I kidney cancer The tumor is 7 centimeters or smaller and is found in the kidney only. Also called stage I renal cell cancer.

stage I laryngeal cancer (…luh-RIN-jul…) Cancer is found only in the area where it started. Stage I laryngeal cancer depends on where cancer is found in the larynx. If it started in the supraglottis, then cancer is in one area of the supraglottis only and the vocal cords can move normally. If it started in the glottis, then cancer is in one or both vocal cords and the vocal cords can move normally. If it started in the subglottis, then cancer is in the subglottis only.

stage I lip and oral cavity cancer Cancer that is no larger than 2 centimeters (about 1 inch) and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.

stage I malignant mesothelioma Cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm (the thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen), or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest. Also called localized malignant mesothelioma.

stage I melanoma Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB. In stage IA, the tumor is not more than 1 millimeter thick, with no ulceration. The tumor is in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and upper layer of the dermis (inner layer of skin). In stage IB, the tumor is either not more than 1 millimeter thick, with ulceration, and may have spread into the dermis or the tissue below the skin; or 1 to 2 millimeters thick, with no ulceration.

stage I multiple myeloma Relatively few cancer cells have spread throughout the body. There may be no symptoms of disease.

stage I mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome (…my-KOH-sis fun-GOY-deez…) Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB. In stage IA, less than 10% of the skin surface is covered with patches and/or plaques (areas of abnormal tissue). In stage IB, 10% or more of the skin surface is covered with patches and/or plaques. Stage I may also be classified based on how many abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells) are found in the blood.

stage I nasopharyngeal cancer Cancer is found in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) only.

stage I non-small cell lung cancer Cancer is in the lung only. Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB based on the size or location of the tumor.

stage I oropharynx cancer Cancer that is no larger than 2 centimeters (about 0.75 inch) and is confined to the oropharynx.

stage I ovarian cancer Cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries and has not spread. Stage I is divided into stage IA, stage IB, and stage IC. In stage IA, cancer is found in a single ovary. In stage IB, cancer is found in both ovaries. In stage IC, cancer is found in one or both ovaries and one of the following is true: cancer is found on the outside surface of one or both ovaries; the capsule (outer covering) of the tumor has ruptured (broken open); or, cancer cells are found in fluid from the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen).

stage I pancreatic cancer Cancer is found in the pancreas only. Stage I is divided into stage IA and stage IB based on tumor size. In stage IA, the tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters and in stage IB, the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

stage I prostate cancer Cancer is found in the prostate only. It cannot be felt during a digital rectal exam and is not visible by imaging. It is usually found accidentally during surgery for other reasons, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (a condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue occurs). Also called stage A1 prostate cancer.

stage I renal cell cancer (REE-nul) The tumor is 7 centimeters or smaller and is found in the kidney only. Also called stage I kidney cancer.

stage I skin cancer The tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters.

stage I testicular cancer Stage I is divided into stage IA, stage IB, and stage IS, and is determined after a radical inguinal orchiectomy (surgery to remove the testicle) is done. In stage IA, cancer is in the testicle and epididymis and may have spread to the inner layer of the membrane surrounding the testicle; all tumor marker levels are normal. In stage IB, the cancer is in the testicle and the epididymis and has spread to the blood or lymph vessels in the testicle; or has spread to the outer layer of the membrane surrounding the testicle; or is in the spermatic cord or the scrotum and may be in the blood or lymph vessels of the testicle; all tumor marker levels are normal. In stage IS, cancer is found anywhere within the testicle, spermatic cord, or the scrotum, and either all tumor marker levels are slightly above normal or one or more tumor marker levels are moderately above normal or high.

stage I transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter (tran-ZIH-shu-nil sel KAN-ser of the REE-nul PEL-vus and yoo-REE-ter) Cancer has spread through the cells lining the renal pelvis and/or ureter, into the layer of connective tissue.

stage I Wilms’ tumor Cancer that is found in the kidney only and can be completely removed by surgery.

stage IA gallbladder cancer Stage I gallbladder cancer is divided into stages IA and IB. In stage IA, cancer has spread beyond the innermost (mucosal) layer to the connective tissue or to the muscle layer.

stage IA soft tissue sarcoma Cancer in which the cells look very much like normal cells. The cancer is smaller than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

stage IB gallbladder cancer Stage I gallbladder cancer is divided into stages IA and IB. In stage IB, cancer has spread beyond the muscle layer to the connective tissue around the muscle.

stage IB soft tissue sarcoma Cancer in which the cells look somewhat different from normal cells. The cancer is larger than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

stage II adrenocortical cancer Cancer that is larger than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread into tissues around the adrenal gland.

stage II adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma Stage II is divided into stage II and stage IIE. In stage II, cancer is found in two or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm (the thin muscle below the lungs that helps breathing and separates the chest from the abdomen). In stage IIE, cancer is found in one area or organ other than the lymph nodes and in the lymph nodes near that area or organ, and may have spread to other lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm.

stage II adult non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Stage II is divided into stage II and stage IIE. In stage II, cancer is found in two or more lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm. In stage IIE, cancer is found in an organ or tissue other than the lymph nodes and may have spread to one or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm.

stage II adult primary liver cancer There is either (1) one tumor that has spread to nearby blood vessels; or (2) there is more than one tumor, none of which is larger than 5 centimeters.

stage II AIDS-related lymphoma Stage II AIDS-related lymphoma is divided into stages II and IIE. In stage II, cancer is found in two or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm (the muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen). In stage IIE, cancer is found in one area of one organ or tissue that is not part of the lymph system and in nearby lymph nodes. Cancer may also be found in other lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm.

stage II anal cancer The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

stage II bladder cancer Cancer has spread to either the inner layer or outer layer of the muscle wall of the bladder.

stage II breast cancer Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB based on tumor size and whether it has spread to the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm). In stage IIA, the cancer is either no larger than 2 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or between 2 and 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIB, the cancer is either between 2 and 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

stage II cancer of the uterus Cancer that has spread to the cervix.

stage II cancer of the vulva Cancer that is found in the vulva, the space between the opening of the rectum and the vagina (perineum), or both. The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters (larger than 1 inch).

stage II cervical cancer Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall (the tissues that line the part of the body between the hips). Stage II is divided into stages IIA and IIB, based on how far the cancer has spread. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the upper two thirds of the vagina but not to tissues around the uterus. In stage IIB, cancer has spread to the upper two thirds of the vagina and to the tissues around the uterus.

stage II childhood liver cancer All of the cancer was removed by surgery, except for a small amount of cancer that can be seen only with a microscope, or tumor cells that may have spilled into the abdomen during surgery.

stage II childhood non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Cancer is found (1) in only one area and in the lymph nodes around it; or (2) in two or more areas or lymph nodes on one side of the diaphragm (the thin muscle under the lungs that divides the chest and abdominal cavity and helps with breathing); or (3) to have started in the stomach or intestines and has been completely removed by surgery, and lymph nodes in the area may or may not contain cancer.

stage II chronic lymphocytic leukemia There are too many lymphocytes in the blood, the liver or spleen is larger than normal, and the lymph nodes may be larger than normal.

stage II colorectal cancer Cancer has spread outside the colon and/or rectum to nearby tissue, but it has not gone into the lymph nodes. Also called Dukes’ B colorectal cancer.

stage II cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Stage II cutaneous T-cell lymphoma may be either of the following: (1) stage IIA, in which the skin has red, dry, scaly patches but no tumors, and lymph nodes are enlarged but do not contain cancer cells; (2) stage IIB, in which tumors are found on the skin, and lymph nodes are enlarged but do not contain cancer cells.

stage II endometrial cancer Cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix, but not beyond the cervix. Stage II is divided into stage IIA and IIB, based on how far the cancer has spread into the cervix. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the glands where the cervix and uterus meet. In stage IIB, cancer has spread into the connective tissue of the cervix.

stage II esophageal cancer Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, depending on where the cancer has spread. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the layer of esophageal muscle or to the outer wall of the esophagus. In stage IIB, cancer may have spread to any of the first three layers of the esophagus and to nearby lymph nodes.

stage II extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EK-struh-hih-PA-tik bile dukt) Stage II is divided into stage IIA and IIB. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and/or to either the right or left branches of the hepatic artery or of the portal vein (major blood vessels that carry blood to the liver). In stage IIB, cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and (1) is found in the bile duct; or (2) has spread through the wall of the bile duct; or (3) has spread to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and/or the right or left branches of the hepatic artery or portal vein.

stage II gastric cancer Cancer has spread (1) completely through the mucosal (innermost) layer of the stomach wall and is found in 7 to 15 lymph nodes near the tumor, or (2) to the muscularis (middle) layer of the stomach wall and is found in up to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor, or (3) to the serosal (outermost) layer of the stomach wall but not to lymph nodes or other organs.

stage II hypopharyngeal cancer The tumor is either (1) larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 4 centimeters and has not spread to the larynx (voice box); or (2) found in more than one area of the hypopharynx or in nearby tissues.

stage II kidney cancer The tumor is larger than 7 centimeters and is found in the kidney only. Also called stage II renal cell cancer.

stage II laryngeal cancer (…luh-RIN-jul…) Cancer that is found in the larynx. The exact definition of stage II depends on where the cancer started. If it started in the supraglottis, then cancer is in more than one area of the supraglottis or glottis or region near the supraglottis. If it started in the glottis, then cancer has spread to the supraglottis and/or the subglottis, and/or the vocal cords do not move normally. If it started in the subglottis, then cancer has spread to the vocal cords, which may not move normally.

stage II lip and oral cavity cancer Cancer that is larger than 2 centimeters (about 1 inch) but smaller than 4 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread to lymph nodes in the area.

stage II malignant mesothelioma Cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. Cancer may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm (the thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen), or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest. Stages II, III, and IV malignant mesothelioma are also called advanced malignant mesothelioma.

stage II melanoma Stage II is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, the tumor is either 1 to 2 millimeters thick, with ulceration; or 2 to 4 millimeters thick, with no ulceration. In stage IIB, the tumor is either 2 to 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration; or more than 4 millimeters thick, with no ulceration. In stage IIC, the tumor is more than 4 millimeters thick, with ulceration.

stage II multiple myeloma Cancer in which a moderate number of cancer cells have spread throughout the body.

stage II mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome (…my-KOH-sis fun-GOY-deez…) Stage II is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIA, any amount of the skin surface is covered with patches and/or plaques (areas of abnormal tissue). Lymph nodes are enlarged but cancer has not spread to them. In stage IIB, one or more tumors (lumps of malignant cells) are found on the skin. Lymph nodes may be enlarged but cancer has not spread to them. Stage II may also be classified based on how many abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells) are found in the blood.

stage II nasopharyngeal cancer Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB. In stage IIA, cancer has spread from the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose) to the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils), and/or to the nasal cavity. In stage IIB, cancer is found in the nasopharynx and has spread to lymph nodes on one side of the neck, or has spread to the area surrounding the nasopharynx and may have spread to lymph nodes on one side of the neck.

stage II non-small cell lung cancer Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to the chest wall, the diaphragm, the mediastinal pleura (the thin membrane that covers the outside of the lungs in the area near the heart), or the parietal pericardium (the outer layer of tissue that surrounds the heart). Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB based on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes.

stage II oropharynx cancer Tumor that is between 2 and 4 centimeters (0.75 and 1.5 inches) and is confined to the oropharynx.

stage II ovarian cancer Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis. Stage II is divided into stage IIA, stage IIB, and stage IIC. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the uterus and/or the fallopian tubes. In stage IIB, cancer has spread to other tissues within the pelvis. In stage IIC, cancer has spread to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes and/or other tissue within the pelvis and cancer cells are found in fluid from the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen).

stage II pancreatic cancer Stage II is divided into stages IIA and IIB, based on where the cancer has spread. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to nearby tissue and organs but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. In stage IIB, cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and may have spread to nearby tissue and organs.

stage II prostate cancer Cancer is more advanced than in stage I, but has not spread outside the prostate. Also called stage A2, stage B1, or stage B2 prostate cancer.

stage II renal cell cancer (REE-nul) The tumor is larger than 7 centimeters and is found in the kidney only. Also called stage II kidney cancer.

stage II skin cancer The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

stage II testicular cancer Stage II is divided into stage IIA, stage IIB, and stage IIC, and is determined after a radical inguinal orchiectomy (surgery to remove the testicle) is done. In stage IIA, the cancer is anywhere within the testicle, spermatic cord, or scrotum; and has spread to up to 5 lymph nodes in the abdomen (none larger than 2 centimeters). In stage IIB, the cancer is anywhere within the testicle, spermatic cord, or scrotum; has spread to up to 5 lymph nodes in the abdomen (at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 centimeters, but none is larger than 5 centimeters) or has spread to more than 5 lymph nodes (the lymph nodes are not larger than 5 centimeters). In stage IIC, the cancer is anywhere within the testicle, spermatic cord, or scrotum; and has spread to a lymph node in the abdomen that is larger than 5 centimeters. All tumor marker levels are normal or slightly above normal.

stage II transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter (tran-ZIH-shu-nil sel KAN-ser of the REE-nul PEL-vus and yoo-REE-ter) Cancer has spread through the layer of connective tissue to the muscle layer of the renal pelvis and/or ureter.

stage II Wilms’ tumor Cancer has spread to tissue near the kidney, to blood vessels, or to the renal sinus (a part of the kidney through which blood and fluid enter and exit). The cancer can be completely removed by surgery.

stage IIA breast cancer Stage II breast cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIA, (1) no tumor is found in the breast, but cancer is found in the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes; or (2) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; or (3) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

stage IIA gallbladder cancer Stage II gallbladder cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIA, cancer has spread beyond the tissue that covers the gallbladder and/or to the liver and/or to one nearby organ, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, or bile ducts outside the liver.

stage IIA soft tissue sarcoma The cancer cells look somewhat different from normal cells. The cancer is larger than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

stage IIB breast cancer Stage II breast cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIB, (1) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes; or (2) the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

stage IIB gallbladder cancer Stage II gallbladder cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIB, cancer has spread in one of the following ways: (1) beyond the innermost layer to the connective tissue and to nearby lymph nodes; or (2) to the muscle layer and nearby lymph nodes; or (3) beyond the muscle layer to the connective tissue around the muscle and nearby lymph nodes; or (4) through the tissue that covers the gallbladder and/or to the liver and/or to one nearby organ, such as the stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, or bile ducts outside the liver, and to nearby lymph nodes.

stage IIB melanoma Melanoma in which the tumor is more than 4 millimeters thick. It has spread through the lower part of the inner layer of skin (dermis) and into subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue, but not to nearby lymph nodes.

stage IIB soft tissue sarcoma The cancer cells look very different from normal cells. The cancer is smaller than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

stage IIC soft tissue sarcoma The cancer cells look very different from normal cells. The cancer is larger than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.